Peter Deriashnyj

Peter Derishanyj was born on February 7, 1946 in Kalden, Germany. He is a bandurist, composer, conductor, community leader and a renowned specialist of the Kharkiv style of bandura.

Peter Derishanyj moved to Australia in 1950. He completed his studies at the Sydney Institute of Technology in 1972 as an electrical engineer. He currently lives in Sydney, Australia.

Initially, Peter studied bandura from his father Fedir Deriashnyj and later from Hryhory Bazhul. In 1971 he became the artistic director of the Hnat Khotkevych Ukrainian Bandurist Ensemble and the Sydney School of Bandura in Australia. He completed vocal studies at the Sydney Conservatory and conducting courses in Canada under V. Kolesnyk. In 1974 he recorded an LP entitled "Bandura and Song" with three other Sydney bandurists - Neonila Babchenko-Deriashnyj (Soprano), Lidia Deriashnyj-Beal (alto) and Peter Chochula (bass). As well as arrangements of Ukrainian folk songs the album contained three of his compositions - "Bandura and song" words by A. Juriniak, "Krai Kozachiy" words by V. Masliak and "Slava Otamano" author unknown. The album also featured 12 string guitarist Victor Marshall. The producer of the album was Canberra musician Peter Ilyk.